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Opinion Contributor

Common ground exists on guns

There is overwhelming support for universal background checks, including 74 percent of NRA members. | AP Photo

By DAN GROSS | 2/15/13 4:38 AM EST

Sarah Dawn McKinley was home alone on New Year’s Eve with her 3-month-old son when intruders entered her home. She fired a 12-gauge shotgun at the men and killed one of them; the others fled. She defended her home and her family with a lawfully purchased gun, and there are few among us who would object to her right to do so.

As the nation engages in an emotional debate about gun reforms, it is important to stop and recognize that no one is suggesting new laws that would limit Sarah’s right to own a shotgun and protect her family. She is a hero to many. Indeed, the National Rifle Association leadership points to her as a potential victim of proposals to limit access to guns in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

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That is why I was not prepared for what Sarah said in a recent nationally televised town hall. Her testimony began, “I completely agree with background checks. If I want a gun, I have no problem getting one. I don’t see why anybody would have a problem getting a background check if they have nothing to hide.” While her words made simple sense, it says something about the current state of affairs that they prompted audible gasps.

Sarah is like so many of us – a supporter of the Second Amendment and a parent who wants to have the ability to protect her family. She is an advocate for common sense. She is also a member of the NRA. Polls show that she is far from alone. There is overwhelming support for universal background checks, including 74 percent of NRA members. If so many people, including most members of the NRA, believe that background checks are important to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, then I’m convinced there is much more that binds us together than separates us. We all want a safer nation for ourselves and our children and we must continue to seek the common ground that will get us there. We can do better and we must demand better, from our elected officials as well as those who speak on behalf of gun owners.